Charles Darwin's theory of organic evolution-the idea that life on earth is the product of purely natural causes, not the hand of God-set off shock waves that continue to reverberate through Western society, and especially the United States. What makes evolution such a profoundly provocative concept, so convincing to most scientists, yet so socially and politically divisive? These 12 eye-opening lectures are an examination of the varied elements that so often make this science the object of strong sentiments and heated debate.

Chin: The Life and Crimes of Mafia Boss Vincent Gigante

Vincent "Chin" Gigante. He started out as a professional boxer - until he found his true calling as a ruthless contract killer. His doting mother's pet name for the boy evolved into his famous alias, "Chin", a nickname that struck fear throughout organized crime as he routinely ordered the murders of mobsters who violated the Mafia code. Vincent Gigante was hand-picked by Vito Genovese to run the Genovese Family when Vito was sent to prison. Chin raked in more than $100 million for the Genovese Family, all while evading federal investigators.

The Interceptor

Fighting on the frontline of the war against crime, Cam Addicott was one of the very few hard-boiled and highly-experienced surveillance operatives to get called up to the secretive and elite Alpha Projects unit - a group of dedicated undercover customs officers. Alpha Projects unit hunted the UK's most dangerous criminals by extraordinary means – starting with the interception and decoding of their phone calls. Cam soon knew the lives of the people he hunted better than they knew each other.

Undercover

Twenty years undercover - one man's true story of life as an undercover cop. A must-listen for fans of Donnie Brasco. For over 20 years, Joe Carter has worked for the police as an undercover cop. He travelled the globe on different passports. He fraternised with thieves and international drugs and arms dealers. He worked alongside the most dangerous criminals. Always fearing that this life would come crashing down around him at any point.

Diary of a DA: The True Story of the Prosecutor Who Took on the Mob, Fought Corruption, and Won

In 1961, 25-year-old Herbert Jay Stern, fresh from reserve duty, stood in his green army uniform in a New York County courtroom to be sworn in as an attorney. He could only guess what his life as a prosecuting lawyer would be. A dozen years later, in the wake of the national scandal of Watergate, Stern, draped in black robes now, would take the oath of office as a federal judge. In the years between, the idealistic young Stern would sharpen his skills in the realities of the criminal courts of New York City, to emerge as the lead trial attorney for the Justice Department, charged with breaking the back of organized crime in New Jersey.

Heist: The True Story of the World's Biggest Cash Robbery

On 22 February 2006, GBP53 million was stolen from a cash warehouse belonging to the Securitas company in Tonbridge, Kent. In terms of value, the robbery puts previous British capers, such as the Great Train Robbery, in the shade. This was a crime notable for its audacity, carried out by an unlikely crew of players that included a used car salesman, two Albanian casual workers and a roofer. Five men were convicted at the Old Bailey in January 2008, which attracted nationwide media coverage.

Richard says:"Extremely Detailed!"

Publisher's Summary

Operation Greylord was the longest and most successful undercover investigation in FBI history, and the largest corruption bust ever in the US. It resulted in bribery and tax charges against 103 judges, lawyers, and other court personnel, and, eventually, more than 70 indictments. And it was led by Terrence Hake, a young assistant prosecutor in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in Chicago, who worked undercover for nearly four years, accepting bribes, making payoffs, wearing a wire in bars and to racetracks, bugging a judge's chambers, and befriending people he knew he would betray.

It's exciting and suspenseful. Also it has historical importance. It was the first time investigators were allowed to bug the chambers of high-level judges. Until then, there was no way to get at them. The man who did this was the same man who wrote the book: Terrance Hake. And he was an amateur! He knew nothing about how to go undercover to ferret out corruption. His life was at stake. He learned as he went along. And as a result, something like 100 judges and lawyers and other court officers were arrested, indicted, and spent jail time.

Aside from the fact that this book is so historically interesting, it's also hard to put down because it's so exciting. Danger is everywhere. Until the end, you didn't really know if the good guys (the FBI and other agencies) will win or not. Also there are surprises thrown at you, which I won't mention because it would spoil your enjoyment of the story.

What does Charles Constant bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Constant is a hell of a good narrator. He knows how to build suspense with his delivery when it's appropriate, and how to create interesting characters with his voicings. Also, you can tell the difference between the various characters because of his skill with different vocal nuances. I did read the printed book first, and this Audible version adds so much more. It's like getting twice the enjoyment out of a single book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but since it's 10 hours long, no way.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to this narrator Charles Constant before, and he's always good, with both fiction and non-fiction. But IMHO I especially love to hear him read historical material. His narration of the Bismark book was first class. And in this Greylord book too, he knows when to give drama to a scene, without being melodramatic. Not all narrators can do this.

Craig.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

michael

poway, Ca, United States

31/05/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"A man of courage A true hero"

FBI Agent Terrence Hake saw corruption and he went after it. The good bad and ugly and how it affected his life. Amazing story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bobo

26/10/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Boring"

Return book very slow no excitement whatsoever. I'm sure if you were in law inforcement maybe

1 of 4 people found this review helpful

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